The Larena Youth Care Organization (LYCO) from the Municipality of Larena recently held the Pride Month celebration with the theme, “A Celebration of Colors Through Empathy and Awareness.”

The Pride Month celebration commemorates the ongoing pursuit of awareness and empowerment for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community (LGBTQ) and recognizes their individual accomplishments.

The event marks the beginning of a movement to accept LGBTQ and protection from health issues.

Specific topics include: Adolescent sexuality, Being Yourself, Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/Sexually Transmitted Infection Awareness, and Male Condom Demonstration.

"Adolescent Sexuality" discussed the five components of sexuality which are the sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, body image and values, attitude, and behavior.

It also gave enlightenment to the difference between sex and gender.

“Being Yourself” encouraged the youth to be honest and express their selves freely when ready.

In line with the H.E.A.R.T to HEART talk program of the Commission of Population and Development, different sexual diseases such as HIV/AIDS/STI were also discussed.

Prevention of the said diseases were taught through the HIV/AIDS/STI awareness topic and also on the Male Condom Demonstration.

The celebration was made possible through the support of the Local Government Unit of Larena under the leadership of Mayor Dean Villa and Municipal Health Officer Dr. Susan Jojie Villa to the Larena Youth Care Organization in its advocacy and service to the youth.

It was also through the initiative of the LYCO with the guidance of the Local Youth Development Officer Johanne Mosqueda and Adolescent Health Development Program Point Person/ Youth Coordinator Maria Louella that the celebration’s success was realized. (PR/Franz Anthony Gabijan, LYCO)